Chris Jenks using unpaid workers.

Most people in the TV and Film industry know that it is wrong to use unpaid workers.

Wrong, and of course illegal too, given that there is a law which specifically forbids it (the Minimum Wage regulations). In contrast to a few years back, very few employers break those regulations nowadays, aware that it is pretty much universally frowned upon. It is also horribly socially divisive, given that the less well off don’t have the luxury of parting with their labour without receiving a reward to pay for the odd important thing in their lives (food, rent etc).

Most people - but not actor Chris Jenks it seems. For he has popped up in the last few days seeking to employ an unpaid runner for a film he is producing and directing. “Really easy day” he posted on Instagram - “and you’ll get an IMDB credit!” he gushed. How exciting - an IMDB credit and the chance to work alongside someone of the towering stature of Chris Jenks of Sex Education fame.

Chris alas had no actual money to part with to pay the worker he was recruiting, clearly not particularly bothered to observe the rules which govern mere normal mortals, those who might not have the benefit of a fat actor’s salary to help them put food on the table.

When asked why he was not paying the runner on his production, Jenks had no comment to make. Neither did his agent, Sophie Austin of United Agents (although presumably she is always happy to pocket the 10% or so of Chris’ wages when they come in for the paid work he gets).

The film in question is called &Sons, and features Ade Edmondson (paid? unpaid?). It has accumulated at least £15,000 in crowdfunding so far, which must be jolly exciting for Chris. Not so exciting that he feels disposed to part with any of it for the benefit of paying the person he will no doubt be expecting to fetch him teas and coffees while he swans around on set however.

All in all then: shame on you Chris Jenks. And of course: Freelancers beware!